Red Box Wildlife Shelter has received a funding boost to support its important work rehabilitating injured kangaroos from across the region.
The Elphinstone shelter has been awarded $4000 in federal funding via the Department of Social Services’ 2021 Volunteer Grants program.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters visited the site on Friday to check out the new veterinary clinic and volunteer training facilities the shelter has established, and new huts that have been built to house roos as they recover after treatment.
Red Box operators Nikki and Scott Medwell said the federal funding would enable them to support the work of their dedicated veterinarian, Dr Mark, who donated his time to treat sick and injured wildlife from shelters across central Victoria at the clinic.
The funds will also provide equipment for volunteer rescuers including purpose-built stretchers and a training course for Scott in chemical capture.
The Medwells and rescuer Ian Slattery raised a number of issues with the MP including the dire shortage of veterinarians in rural areas – many of whom are already overworked caring for domestic animals and have little time to tend to our injured wildlife – and the cruelty of kangaroo culling and the kangaroo meat industry, which is ravaging the populations of our native icon.
The group sent Ms Chesters away with an open letter on the issue signed by wildlife advocacy groups across Australia and the globe and a copy of the film Kangaroo A Love-Hate Story, which delves into the issue in striking detail.
Ms Chesters was impressed with what the shelter was doing to bridge the gap in veterinary care for wildlife in central Victoria.
The MP noted a makeshift mask that had been crafted out of a washing machine hose, soda bottle and some foam to enable Dr Mark to place animals under anaesthetic before treatment.
“I’m delighted that $1500 of this money will go directly towards really practical on-the-ground needs and the purchase of proper equipment for the surgery to assist Dr Mark and the Red Box team in their work,” she said.
“It’s been good to come here and see how under-resourced our wildlife rescuers and carers are and learn what their needs are.
“That’s why grants like these are so important. It doesn’t seem like a lot of money to the federal government but the difference our volunteers can make with this funding on the ground is huge.”
Summer screenings
Red Box Wildlife Shelter is holding intimate screenings of the film Kangaroo A Love-Hate Story during the summer months in a bid to spread awareness about the kangaroo meat industry and its impact on native kangaroo populations.
Nikki and Scott Medwell have divided off a section of their barn and created a dedicated Training and Education room with a large screen TV for volunteer training and the screenings.
“We thought small groups and couples might like to visit for a few hours to see Kangaroo A Love-Hate Story followed by a discussion on the issue,” Nikki said.
The free screenings for groups up to six run from approximately 12pm to 3pm and can be booked on a day to suit your group. The screenings are suitable for viewers aged 16 and over.
A small donation to the shelter is welcome. BYO bottle of wine and nibbles. Bookings can be made via email at elroos3448@gmail.com
